8 Myths About Your Back — Busted
Misconceptions can keep you from getting proper care
Misinformation abounds about back problems. How many times have you heard that exercise can hurt your back? Or that if you consult a spine surgeon about pain, you’re sure to wind up in surgery?
Back pain is a problem that is fairly common — as are the myths on the subject. If you have back pain, it’s important to get the facts.
We talked with spine surgeon Todd Francis, MD, PhD to dispel these myths.
Myth: If you go to a spine surgeon, it’s certain you’ll end up having surgery.
Fact: Not necessarily so. Many spine surgeons often find themselves trying to talk patients out of back surgery, Dr. Francis says. This is because the vast majority of back problems are resolved without surgery, although surgery may be the best option for some people. It all depends on your unique medical condition.
Myth: Exercise can hurt your back.
Fact: With professional guidance under a licensed physical therapist, exercise can help your back by strengthening the muscles that support your spine. A strong, well-conditioned back can withstand more stress, and stabilize the spine better, Dr. Francis says.
Myth: Herniated discs need to be surgically repaired.
Fact: The intervertebral discs, located between the vertebral bodies of your spine, act to cushion the spine against stress. These discs may rupture, or herniate, if the outer layer of the disc weakens. The jelly-like center of the disk leaks, irritating the nearby nerves and causing back and leg pain. More than 90 percent of herniated discs get better on their own with rest, gentle physical therapy, pain management,and anti-inflammatory medicine, Dr. Francis says.
Myth: If you have bulging discs, you have a major medical problem.
Fact: Bulging discs are a normal part of aging, Dr. Francis says. Our discs are like car tires that gradually lose air and wear down. This is why we may become shorter as we age.
Myth: Magnetic resource imaging (MRI) scans always show the source of back pain.
Fact: MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. These scans can demonstrate annular tears, herniated discs and nerve compression. MRI scans do not show weak muscles that contribute to back pain, Dr. Francis says.
Myth: The best thing for a sore back is bed rest.
Fact: It seems counterintuitive, but the best thing for your back is gentle exercise, Dr. Francis says. Walking, for example, gets you out of a sitting posture and into a more neutral, upright alignment. Gentle, easy stretching may help as well. Licensed physical therapists can best supervise this endeavor, and can tailor a personalized strengthening and stretching routine for patients.
Myth: Spinal fusion surgery, which permanently joins two or more bones in the spine, always requires additional surgery.
Fact: We’ve all heard of someone who has had a failed back surgery, Dr. Francis says. Yet, the reality is that when skilled surgeons perform spinal fusion surgery for the right medical reasons, the procedure rarely needs to be repeated.
Myth: Pinched nerves cause severe back pain.
Fact: That can be true, but only sometimes. Usually, an irritated or compressed nerve in your spine causes pain in your leg and foot, Dr. Francis says.
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